Newaygo, Register of Deeds of Newaygo County, was born in the town of
Fenner, Madison County, New York, April 10, 1817. His parents were Festus
and Betsey Persons. His grandfather, Gideon Persons, was sergeant of the
guard that fed Burgoyne's army after its surrender. His ancestors, on both
sides, came from Massachusetts. Festus Persons was a farmer, and had twelve
children. Mr. Wellington Persons, the third child and second son, attended
the common schools of his native place until he was eighteen years of age.
He then removed, with his parents, to Onondaga County, where he remained,
working on his father's farm, until 1843. In that year he went to Wisconsin,
and engaged in farm work in Racine County, until 1847, when he went to
Michigan; and, for five years, worked at cutting lumber. In 1852 he injured
his knee with an ax, and was not able to move, without crutches, until
1857. In the spring of 1856 he became Deputy Clerk and Deputy Register;
and, 1858, was elected to the office of Register of Deeds, the office of
County Clerk having been made a separate position. He has ever since held
the former position,--having been re-elected every second year. In 1866
he was appointed, by the Secretary of the Treasury, Assistant Assessor
for the division in which he resides; and held the position until 1869.
He was Clerk of the town of Brooks from 1859 to 1866. For part of a term
he was Treasurer of the village of Newaygo. Mr. Persons was a Democrat
until 1854. In 1856 he voted the Republican ticket, and has since been
a member of that party, though he does not take an active part in politics.
He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity; was Secretary of Newaygo Lodge,
No. 131, for nine years; in 1866 was elected Secretary of Newaygo
Chapter, No. 38, and has since held this position. He is a member of the
De Molai Commandery, No. 5, of Grand Rapids; and was a Good Templar until
the lodge was disorganized. He was brought up in the Presbyterian faith;
but is a member of no religious denomination, though he attends the orthodox
churches. He has never married.